Karl Aucoin, city engineer, said problems were found with the road base in areas of University Place that will escalate the cost by about 30 percent over the original $331,000 estimate. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Firefighters to request concealed carry while on duty

By Harlan Kirgan Editor

Some Eunice firefighters want to carry concealed weapons while on duty, according to Fire Chief Mike Arnold.
Arnold said Fire Capt. Jeremy Faulkner would represent firefighters at Tuesday’s Board of Alderman’s meeting scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Eunice Municipal Complex, 300 S. 2nd St.
“I’m not offering any opinions,” Arnold said at Thursday’s meeting to set the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.
“They would like permission to concealed carry on duty. Right now our policy says ‘No weapons allowed on fire department property.’”
Arnold said he and the mayor have discussed the issue, but no policy has been written.
“I have some misgivings about it one way and pluses on the other side, so I’m going to stay neutral,” he said.
“We had some issues during the flood where our firemen were chewed out because they were making waves going down the street with fire trucks, but we had to get past your house to go rescue those people in the back,” he said.
There were a number of people who jumped on the running boards of the trucks and threatened the firefighters, he said.
Jack Burson, alderman at-large, said those carrying weapons would have to undergo a psychological examination.
Mayor Scott Fontenot questioned how allowing the concealed carry would affect the city’s insurance.
“Remind these guys if they are going to come they come with some homework done,” he said.
On Friday, Arnold said there have been incidents nationally where firefighters have been attacked.
Police Chief Randy Fontenot said he does not know of any incidents where firefighters were attacked with weapons inside the city limits.
Firefighters have been verbally threatened, he said.
Residents may get irritated by fire hoses and trucks blocking roads, he said.
Police do respond to fires, but they may be involved in directing traffic rather than being on the scene for security, he said.
Other agenda items scheduled for Tuesday’s meeting include:
— Discussing the city road overlay program. Karl Aucoin, city engineer, said problems were found with the road base in areas of University Place that will escalate the cost by about 30 percent over the original $331,000 estimate.
— The mayor will name a recreation committee of up to 13 members to meet monthly.
— Trick-or-Treat is set for Oct. 31.
— Anthony Baltakis and Harry Summerlin may be named to the Opelousas-Eunice Library Board.
— A resolution is to be considered asking the St. Landry Parish Government to staff an office in Eunice.
— A resolution is to be considered to accept the airport capital improvement plan.
— The mayor requested a discussion of the August flooding.

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